A pet, or companion animal, is an animal kept primarily for a person's company, entertainment or as an act of compassion such as taking in and protecting a stray cat, rather than as a working animal, livestock or laboratory animal. Popular pets are often considered to have attractive appearances, intelligence and relatable personalities, but some pets may be taken in on an altruistic basis and accepted as they are.

Two of the most popular pets are dogs and cats. The technical term for a cat lover is an ailurophile, and for a dog lover, a cynophile. Other animals commonly kept include rabbits; ferrets; pigs; rodents, such as gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, rats, and guinea pigs; avian pets, such as parrots, passerines, and fowl; reptile pets, such as turtles, alligators, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes; aquatic pets, such as fish, freshwater and saltwater snails, and frogs; and arthropod pets, such as tarantulas and hermit crabs. Small pets may be grouped together as pocket pets, while the equine and bovine group include the largest companion animals.

Pets provide their owners (or "guardians") both physical and emotional benefits. Walking a dog can provide both the human and the dog with exercise, fresh air and social interaction. Pets can give companionship to people who are living alone or elderly adults who do not have adequate social interaction with other people. There is a medically approved class of therapy animals, mostly dogs or cats, that are brought to visit confined humans, such as children in hospitals or elders in nursing homes. Pet therapy utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive or emotional goals with patients.

People most commonly get pets for companionship, to protect a home or property or because of the beauty or attractiveness of the animals. Aside from lack of desire, the most common reasons for not owning a pet are lack of time, lack of suitable housing and lack of ability to care for the pet when traveling. Some scholars, ethicists and animal rights organizations have raised concerns over keeping pets because of the lack of autonomy and objectification of non-human animals.

This pet memorial tattoo is a detailed, realistic drawing of a dog’s paw print. The heart is the one non-realistic part is small, but because of the contrast this little detail packs quite the emotional punch. This is one of my favorite pet tattoo ideas.

This crochet Dog Bandana is easy to make and could be finished in one evening. Use some bright and beautiful color and your dog will look cute and stylish! Free crochet pattern, DIY dog bandana, dog bandana pattern over the collar, DIY dog stuff, pet clothes, dogs, #dogs, #crocheting, #crochetpattern, #dogdiy

Cat Hammock | Turn your side table into a napping spot for your cat with just a few pieces of scrap fabric, batting, and cotton ribbon. This project takes less than one hour to make and is the perfect solution for using existing space for your cat to lounge away her afternoon. #pets #crafts #diy #marthastewart

Dog & Heart Outline Pet Memorial Tattoo - This tattoo is minimalist art at its finest. The pet is reduced to the simplest lines, looking up at its master and friend with pure love and utter unyielding devotion.

Regardless of the bread or age, it is possible to train any dog to be calm and relaxed. These simple and effective training techniques will have your pooch sleeping while your playing tennis in no time. And no it does not involve taking him for a 2-hour run every day.